New centre graduates 42 pioneer students

By PISAI GUMAR
A new skills training institute in Lae has graduated 42 pioneer students in tourism, hospitality and excavator operation.
The institute was set up to bridge the widening employment gap.
Morobe provincial education chairman Andrew Gena said the initiative by JDEM Multi Skills Institute, in partnership with Ginigoada Business Foundation (GBF) Inc, was giving hope to young people.
Gena said the training GBF Inc was offering, funded by Australia, was putting smiles on the faces of many school leavers.
“GBF Inc contributes immensely to workforce, trying to close the widening employment gap our education system has created that leaves many school leavers on the streets,” he said. “JDEM’s aspiration with GBF Inc to inspire school leavers to add value to their life and become industrious citizen is proving successful.”
Huon Gulf acting administrator Moses Wanga, Lae Lord Mayor Koim Trilue, fisheries chairman Philemon Tomala, and former provincial administrator Kemas Tomala were guests at the occasion.
Trilue, Gena and Philemon Tomala pledged K5000 each to support JDEM.
Kemas Tomala said the employment value of the certificates would be determined by economic investment activities in country and abroad.
“As graduands, work the extra mile to bring meaning upon your attainment certificates,” he said.
“This is because change of Government’s 90-10 financial policy is likely to affect further investments to create employment opportunities.
“The 90-10 policy means Government entities like fisheries and others will pay 90 per cent of their revenue back to Government purse.
“However, tourism is one of the million-kina industries that involves everybody.
“In Morobe, I urge the provincial government to invest more in tourism to create employment.”
Facilitator Lucy Gideon said the students learnt food and beverages for four weeks.
It included meeting and greeting clients, table setting, customer requests, serving wine and food, carrying plates, cocktails and mocktails.